The South African ‘Mom’ – you know the one. Her kids are all grown up… and have emigrated. Now, she makes her yearly migration to visit them and, of course, the light of her life – her grandkids. In comes SAA and Flight Centre.
‘The Mom’ travels miles for the joy of the family reunion, weathering the layovers, long flights, and unwieldy luggage. She is a Tetris-level master packer who squashed all those SA items you requested into her suitcase.
She arrives ready to babysit, help with dinner, and reorganise the towel cupboard. But does she ever get time to see the sights of the destination she travelled so many hours to get to?
“It’s time for the ‘Momcation’,” says Antoinette Turner, GM of Flight Centre South Africa. “Moms deserve an award for all the time and money they invest in travelling to see their family members who’ve emigrated. It’s high time they have some holiday magic tagged onto these trips.”
Direct to Down Under
The return of the SAA direct Johannesburg-Perth flight (which commenced on the 28th of April 2024) might just spur the ‘Momcation’ revolution. Australia has the second-largest South African expat community in the world, and Baldivis, just 46 kilometres south of Perth, is the top suburb for Saffers in Western Australia, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
“The significance of the South African diaspora residents in Perth was a deciding factor in the introduction of the flight,” comments Vimla Maistry, Manager Group Corporate Affairs at South African Airways. “It’s a reality that many South African families have loved ones residing in Western Australia. The flight makes it that much easier for parents, siblings, children, and grandchildren to visit each other and maintain those close bonds of families and communities.”
Direct flights like these offer reduced travel time (and fuss!), so Mom can get more out of her visit, giving her both the connection she craves and a chance to recharge.
Move over, ‘workcations’
We all know about business trips blended with leisure. But ‘The Mom’ is as hardworking as any frazzled corporate. And she doesn’t get paid mom-leave. Having kids is a full-time, life-long job.
“The SAA Johannesburg to Perth direct flight presents an opportunity for those visiting moms to gain a bit more time to themselves and not arrive completely exhausted,” says Turner.
“Perth is a stunning destination for a ‘Momcation’. When you think of the perfect self-care escape, what comes to mind? A piña colada on the beach, vineyard meanders, or maybe even a rare wildlife encounter with the world’s happiest (and arguably cutest) mammal – the quokka. Perth and its surrounds have it all.”
“Moms can soak up pristine beaches like Cottesloe or kick back with the laid-back vibe of Fremantle with its cafés and markets. A short drive brings Mom to the renowned Margaret River wine region for indulgent tastings and scenic strolls, and she can meet the adorable quokkas and enjoy unspoiled nature on Rottnest Island.”
“With Flight Centre’s Australian roots, we really know the ins and outs (and hidden gems!) of this destination. We’re basically a local in both SA and Australia,” says Turner. “We’re experts in ‘mom-travel’. She can leave the travel admin to us and spend her time choosing gifts for the grandkids, with her family, and taking that much-needed break. Though – warning – she might rope you into that sightseeing tour.”
Intrepid Mom
The fact that Flight Centre’s most common customer in the past 12 months has been a woman between the ages of 50-59 travelling on her own, speaks to this demographic’s thirst for adventure and travel.
The Mom is up for a solo cruise, tour, or even cross-country marathon. After all, she isn’t just a mom, she’s a human with a well-earned need for self-discovery and new experiences.
And with Mother’s Day coming up on the 12th of May, we can’t think of a better way to say thank you than with a ‘Momcation’.
